Method and apparatus for galvanizing



`June s, 1924.

W. RAWLEY ET Al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GALVANTZTNG Filed March 17. 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet l june 3 1924; 1,496,069

` W. RAWLEY ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GALVANIZING Filed March 17, 1922 4 sheets-sheet 2' June 3 1924. 1,496,069

w. RAWLEY ET Al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GALVANIZING 1mi* ||i I w EN www! June 3, 1924. A 1,496,069

W. RAWLEY ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GALVANIZ-ING INVENTOR5 Patented June 3, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WAYNE RA'WLEY, 0F PITTSBURGH, AND ORAND A. PLUSKEY, OF li/IILLVALE, PENN- SYLVANIA7 ASSIGNORS TO BLAW-KNOX CO., OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, A

CORPORATION 0F NEW JERSEY.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GALVANIZING.

Application filed March 17, 1922. Serial No. 544,507.

To all whom t may concern Be it known that we, VAYNE RAWLEY and ORAND A. PLUsKEY, residing at Pittsburgh, county of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and Millvale, county of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, respectively, have invented a new and useful Improvement. in Methods and Apparatus for Galvanizing, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, formingy part of this specification, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a portion of the galvanizing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevation, partly broken away, of the apparatus illustrated in Fig ure l;

Figure 3 is a front elevation, partly broken away of the galvanizing apparatus, and

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are detail sectional views through the galvanizing pot illustrating successive galvanizing operations.

The present invention relates broadly to coating apparatus operating on the immer-' sion principle, and more particularly to galyanizing machines and methods of galvaniz- 1n It has heretofore been customary in the art to galvanize comparatively long metallic shapes in a plurality of different ways. In some cases the shapes are fed individually into the galvanizing pot in any desired manner, and then withdrawn before the next shape is dipped. This is an extremely slow process and the cost of operation is considerable as quantity product ion is extremely ditlicult. In other cases the shapes have been fed into the galvanizing pots in groups, and then individually7 or simultaneously withdrawn therefrom. lVhen drawn out individually it has been possible to attempt the removal of the surplus spelter from the shapes, but when withdrawn simultaneously there has been no effective means for preventing the formation of spelter beads or gathers of surplus spelter. These beads become broken O, thereby exposing the metallic surface directly to oxidizing influences. The method of feeding in groups has also been objectionable as the individual shapes have not been thoroughly liuxed, thereby .resulting in imperfect or partial galvanizmg.

The present invention overcomes the ob jections to existing galvanizing methods and apparatus, and provides improvements therein by means of which the production is increased, and uniform galvamzing, including removal of all surplus spelter, is insured.

The many advantages of the present invention will be apparent. to those skilled in the art as it becomes better understood, and it will be obvious that changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the apparatus without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of our broader claims.

A galvanizing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise an elevated platform 2 having a plurality of spaced supports 3 thereon adapted to receive the metallic shapes 4 to be alvanized. These shapes may bedelivere to the supports on the loading platform in any desired manner. Ordinarily, they are delivered thereto directly from the acid or pickling tanks, and are so distributed on the supports as to permit easy inspection thereof. In these drawings, which are merely illustrative of the invention, we have disclosed a plurality of angle irons as the shapes being handled, but itl will be a parent that other shapes may be treated as ound desirable.

After the shapes have been inspected, one or more operators on the platform 2 will slide a group' of the shapes to the right as viewed in Figure 2, until the same drops into one of the pockets formed between the upstanding teeth 5 on the conveying chains 6. These chains, of which there may be any desired number, extend at their upper ends around suitable sprockets carried by the longitudinally extending shaft 7. The shaft is so disposed that the chains cooperate with the supports 3 on the loading platform whereby the shapes are easily transferred from the supports to the chains. At their lower ends the chains pass around suitable sprockets mounted on longitudinally extending shafts 8 carried in any desired manner in the sup )orting frame 9 projecting outwardly from t e frame work which supports the loading platform. Extending between the shafts 7 and 8 are a plurality of inclined guides 10 adapted to receive the chains therebetween and form supporting and guiding surfaces for the metallic shapes during their travel with the chain conveyors.

For purposes of illustration, we have shown an apparatus adapted for handling the shapes in groups of three, and in Flgure 2 of the drawings 'the chain conveyors are shown as having three of the shapes in each of the pockets provided therefor. The pocket at the extreme lower end of the chains has just discharged its group of shapes into the galvanizing pot 11.- This galvanizing pot may be of an desiredeonstruction and is preferably provided With a series of U-shaped supports 12 extending over the edges of the pot and forming supports for the shapes within the spelter 13. Extending vertically' between the sides of the pot 11 is one Wall 14 of a hood 15. This hood prevents the spelter and flux from splashing out of the pot as the shapes are discharged into the same.

Although the chain conveyors 6 may be operated in any desired manner to effect the discharge of the shapes carried thereby, We have found it desirable to provide one end of the =shaft 7 with a hand wheel 16, by means of which it is possible to operate all of the chains in unison as desired. Cooperating with the galvanizing pot, and adapted to directly receive the shapes as they are discharged from the chain conveyors` are a plurality of pushers. These pushers comprise horizontallyY extending portions 17 which are connected at one end to an actuating member 18 which is adapted to be horizontally reciprocated b v piston rods 19, only one of which is shown in the drawings, having pistons cooperating with fluid pressure cylinders 20. These cylinders are provided with suitable connections 21 adjacent their opposite ends whereby fluid pressure may be admitted for moving the pistons in either direction. In the form of the apparatus illustrated in the drawings. there is shown a fluid pressure supply 'line 22 delivering to a suitable valve 23having an operating handle 24. This valve is preferably located in proximity to the hand wheel 16, whereby the control of the Huid pressure may be in charge of one operator. The portions 17 of the pushers extend through bearings 25 formed on one edge of the pot 11. Beyond the bearings 25, and within the pot the pushers are each provided with a downwardly extending portion 2.6 adapted to extend into proximity to the wall 14. This portion is then formed with an offset 27 adapted to extend below and beyond the `Wall 14, and with a second vertically extending portion 28 projecting at its lower end below the supports 12.

Adjacent one end of the galvanizing pot, and on the opposite side thereof from the bearings 25, there is provided a bearing 29 for a shaft 30. This shaft at its outer end has secured thereto a gear 31 which meshes with an operating pinion 32 adapted to be rotated by a hand wheel 33. At its inner end the shaft is provided with a portion 34 extending at substantially right angles thereto and with a second portion 35 extending substantially parallel' thereto. The portion 35 at its inner end is provided with a head 36. Normally the portions 34 and 35 lie in the position shown in Figure 4. When, however, it is desired to lift one end of the galvanized shapes from the supports 12 the hand wheel is rotated to elevate the portion 35 into the position shown in Figures 5 and In this position the head 36 extends in a substantially vertical direction and forms a barrier dividing the portion of the galvanizing pot above the supports 12 into two parts, for the purpose more fully described hereinafter.

This elevating 'mechanism for the galvanized shapes is adapted to operate between adjacent supports 12 at one end of the tank as clearly shown in Figure 3, and is eii'ective for bringing the shapes 4 into the inclined position shown in this ligure. Thile in this position an operator hooks one end of a link 37 into the opening` in one end of each of the shapes and manually draws the shapes over the bottom portion 38 of a scrapin device. This sera ping device may be forme with a plurality of independent toothed projections 39 adapted to extend into and cooperate with both of the inner faces of each of the angles. Mounted above the bottom portion 33 of the scraping device is an upper portion con'iprising a plurality of individually spring-pressed members 4() hav, ing their lower faces shaped to extend over and cooperanl with the outer faces of the particular shapes being handled. These members 4() are pivotally connected at one end to a common transversely extending shaft 41 carried in side arms 42 having a pivotal mounting in bearings 43. For throwing the scraping members 40 to inoperative position about the bearings 43, there is provided an operating handle 44. As soon as the shapes have been engaged b v the links 37 and drawn over the bottom portion 38 into such a position that the opposite ends of the. links may be hooked over the bars 45 of an unloading conveyor. the members 40 are moved into the position shown and the conveyor 46 is operated. This withdraws the galvanized shapes and the scraping device effectively removes all surplus spelter therefrom during the withdrawing iperation. As the ends of the. shapes leave the scraping device, they drop from the bottom member 38 on to theedge of the tank, thereby imparting a final jar to the shapes which assists in removing any drops of spelter therefrom.

In order to secure a uniform coating on all of the shapes. it is essential to thoroughly flux the same during their travel into the galvanizing pot through the` fluxing material 47. For insuring this operation. the pushers are first moved into the position shown in Figure 4. The chain conveyors 6 are then operated a sufficient distance to cause one group of the shapes to be discharged. A group of these shapes 4l is shown in this figure. Thereafter, the elevating mechanism is operated by the hand wheel 33 to bring the same into the position shown in Figure 5 to permit the previously supplied shapes to be withdrawn. In this position. as before stated, the head 36 forms a barrier. 'The elevating mechanism is maintained in this position and the pushers 17 slowly 'retracted into the position shown in Figure 6. Dur-ing this movement the shapes are permltted'to slide individually between the portions 26 and the wall 14, P

whereby the group formation is broken up and cach of the shapes individually passes through the layer of fluxing material. In order to insure this operation, We have found it highly desirable to connect the portions 17 and 26 with a gradual curve around which the shapes must pass. as this curve assists in breaking up the group formation. The head 36 prevents the newly discharged shapes fro-m passing far enough under the wall 14 to interfere with the subsequent lowering operation of the elevating mechanism. This mechanism is now moved from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 4 and the pushers are again operated to push the discharge shapes under the Wall 14 and into position over the portion 4of the elevating mechanism. This series of operations is repeated each time a fresh group of shapes is fed into the pot.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that We have provided an apparatus which may be easily operated for handling shapes in groups and for individually treating each of the shapes during the simultaneous han- -dling of the shapes of each group. This increases the production of the apparatus` and improves the quality of each of the shapes so galvanized,

lt will be apparent that the construction of the conveyor 46 and its manner of operation are immaterial, it merely serving to simultaneously withdraw a plurality7 of shapes. From this conveyor the galvanized shapes may be delivered` for example. b v an electro-magnet. to a loading room, marking roem or directly to cars. as desired.

The scraping mechanism -disclosed herein for removing the surplus spelter from the shapes is made the subject matter of our co-pcnding application. Serial No. 544.506. filed March 17 1920.

We claim:`

1. In the method of galvanizing. the steps of feeding a group of shapes into dipping position relative to a galvanizing pot containing a flux above a hath of bot. metal. passing the shapes individually through the flux into the hot metal. moving the group of shapes laterally in the hot metal from the positions to which they were first passed, elevating the group from the hot metal and then withdrawing the shapes-from the pot.

2. In the method of galvanizing, the steps of successively feeding groups of shapes into dipping posi-lion, passing the shapes individually into a bath of molten metal. moving the shapes laterally in groups in a snccessive manner, through the molten metal, elevating the successive groups from theho't molten metal and withdrawing them.

3. In the method of galvanizmg. the steps of feeding successive groups of shapesinto osition to be dropped through a flux into a. bath of molten metal in a galvanizing pot. individually dropping the shapes'into the pot, successively moving the groups of shapes laterally in the pot, successively elevating the groups,- and then withdrawing them from the pot. 1 H

4. In the method of galvanizing, the steps of feeding successive groups of shapesinto position to be dropped through a flux'into a bath of molten metal in a galvanizingpot,

vindividually dropping the shapes into'the pot, successively moving the groups fof' shapes laterally in the pot, successively elevating the groups, and individually treat ing each shape during the Withdrawal to remove the surplus coa-ting metal therefrom" 5. In the method of galvanizing. thel steps of feeding groups of section-s in a successive manner luto position for dipping in a galvanizingl pot., individually feeding each sec-- tion of a group into the pot before the next group is fed into dipping position, moving a dipped group laterally in the pot before any of the sections in the l next group are dipped, elevating the laterally moved group before the next group is moved laterally, and then removing and scraping the elevated group.

' 6. In the. method of galvanizing, the steps of feeding groups of sections in a successive manner into position for dipping in a galvanizing pot, individually feeding each section of a group into the pot before the next vgroup is fed into dipping position, moving a dipped group laterally' in the pot before any of the sections in the next group are dipped. elevating the laterally moved groups before the next group is moved laterall and then removing and simultaneous y scraping the elevated group.

7. The method of galvanizing, the steps of feeding individual sections in a successive 4manner into a galvaniz'ing y sections in groups from the positions to which they Werefed individually, and removing the sections in groups and treating them individually to remove the surplus coating metal.

8. In a galvanizing apparatus, means tor conveying successive groups to feeding position, means for individually feeding the sections to a galvanizing pot, andmeans for removing the sections from the pot in groups.

9. In a galvanizing apparatus, means for conveying successive groups to feeding position, means for individnallypfeeding the sections to a galvanizing pot, means for removing the sections from the pot in grou s, and means for treating the sections'individually during their removal from the pot to remove the surplus metal coating.

10. In a galvanizing apparatus, means for feeding a plurality of structural shapes to a galvanizing pot, means for separating said shapes and passing them individually through the flux into the spelter, and means for simultaneously withdrawing all of said shapes, substantially as described.

l1. In a galvanizing apparatus, means for feeding a plurality of structural shapes to a galvanizing pot, means for separating said shapes and passing them individually through the flux into the spelter, means for simultaneously withdrawing all of said shapes, and means for individually treating each of the shapes during withdrawal to remove any surplus spelter therefrom, substantially as described.

12. In a galvanizing apparatus, means for feeding a plurality of structural shapes to a galvanizing pot, means for separa-ting pot, moving the said shapes and passing. them individually through the flux into the spelter, means for simultaneously withdrawing all of said shapes, and means for individually scraping each of said shapes during the simultaneous withdrawal thereof, substantially as ydescribed. l

v 13. In a galvanizing apparatus, a cl1arg7 ing platform, a charging conveyor cooperating therewith for receiving shapes from Said platform, a galvanizingpot adapted to receive said shapes from said conveyor, means for withdrawing shapes from said pot, and means for scraping the shapes during the withdrawal thereof, substantially as described.

14. In a galvanizing apparatus, a cnarging platform, a gal'vanizing pot, a charging conveyor adapted to receive shapes from said platform and deliver the samev to said pot, a pusher adapted to receive shapes as fed by said conveyor and control their pas` sage into the galvanizing pot, means for op` erating said conveyor and means for operating said pusher, and means under the control of an operator on said platform for operating both of said last named means, substantially as describe 15. In a galvanizing apparatus, a galvanizing pot, supports therein, a pusher cooperating with said supports, an elevating mechanism cooperating with said supports, and means carried by said elevating mechanism and forming a barrier between diiierent portions of the tank at predetermined in` tervals, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands.

WAYNE RAWLEY. GRAND a. PLUsKEY. 

